2nd Lt. Gerard Quotes in Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. (1951)

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: You know why I'm having Hummill flogged, Mr. Gerard?

2nd Lt. Gerard: I reported him for fighting, sir.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: I am not having him flogged for fighting, Mr. Gerard. I'm having him flogged because you said in front of the men that you'd flog him. This is a ship of war - as it's captain, I must uphold my lieutenants' authority.

2nd Lt. Gerard: I understand, sir.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: Flogging only makes a bad man worse, Mr. Gerard... but it can break a good man's spirit. Is Hummill a bad man?

2nd Lt. Gerard: Aside from his temper, sir, he's a good sailor.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: A good sailor, ill-fed and thirsty. Watch the cat as it cuts his back to pieces, Mr. Gerard... and in the future, perhaps you'll think twice before you threaten anyone with a flogging.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: This ship is getting slack, Mr. Gerard. It's taking you longer every day to clear for action.

2nd Lt. Gerard: The hands are weak, sir, and...

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: And what?

2nd Lt. Gerard: Restless, sir. After all, sir, seven months without sighting land.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: No excuse. You ought to control them...

Lookout: Land ho! Off the starboard bow!

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: ...An officer who cannot control his men is not reliable.

2nd Lt. Gerard: Yes, sir. Excuse me, sir, that was "Land ho."

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: I have ears, Mr. Gerard.

2nd Lt. Gerard: I thought you might be interested, sir.

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: It took you eleven minutes and twenty seconds to clear for action the other day. I want it done in ten. Now!

2nd Lt. Gerard: Now, sir?

Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: You seem to have your mind on something else - I said, "Now!"

[Hornblower informs his officers of the approach of a Spanish ship-of-the-line]

2nd Lt. Gerard: A sixty gunner! What do you suppose he's up to?

Lt. Crystal: We don't clear the bay, I'll wager we're all dead before morning.

Lt. William Bush: How much can you afford this time?

Lt. Crystal: Twenty shillings.

Lt. William Bush: Done! Where shall I send the money if you win?